The festival takes place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire, on August 16 and 17.

The V festival is now in its eighth year, and it will be the third time that Coldplay have appeared. They started on the second stage with a mid-afternoon billing in 2000, and progressed to the main stage in an early-evening slot in 2001. “It’s amazing to see a band like them come back to headline the V festival in 2003,” commented festival director Simon Moran.

It will be the second headline appearance from Red Hot Chili Peppers, who previously topped the bill in 2001.

Tickets go on sale on March 8, prices to be confirmed. For more details go to www.vfestival.com.